Irish and Manx Wren Day is traditionally held on what date?

Irish and Manx Wren Day is traditionally held on 26 December, Saint Stephen’s Day.

The custom, also called Hunt the Wren Day, historically involved groups of men and boys hunting or catching a wren, a small bird treated in folklore as the “king of the birds.” The wren was displayed on a decorated pole or in a small box, while Wrenboys travelled through their communities wearing masks, greenery and colourful clothing.

The procession included songs and music, and residents gave money or other offerings. The tradition was associated with securing good luck or prosperity for the coming year. On the Isle of Man, the wren could receive a ceremonial funeral, followed by dancing around a wren pole.

The date can cause confusion because related wren-hunting customs elsewhere in Britain and France occurred on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day or Twelfth Day. In the Irish and Manx tradition, however, 26 December is the standard date. Modern celebrations generally use a mock or stuffed wren rather than hunting a live bird, and the custom has seen revivals since the late 20th century.